Notifying DVLA of palpitations

[AnnD_]

Hi I’m new here.

Just wanting some information about notifying the DVLA regarding palpitations.

Firstly I’m not sure if what I have been experiencing is due to palpitations or not but suspect it is, and have had echocardiograms for a haematology condition which I am having chemo. I have alerted my consultant over possible palpitations so on my records.

I am now concerned as I have just read that, surprisingly, you need to notify the DVLA. I have looked at the .gov.uk site and download the forms. The thing that bothers me is the third question which seems to imply that if you suffer from certain symptoms one of which is palpitations then you are unsafe to drive! I am of course worried that in notifying something which really is not causing debilitating problems I am at risk of loosing my licence.

My consultant doesn't seem to think I need to notify as they are not causing any fainting or dizziness, and she has said I’m fit to drive. I'm not sure as the DVLA site says you must!

Has anyone had any experience with this?

I think they must have change the forms in recent years.

Thanks

[MK1954]

By and large it would be your Consultant that would tell you if and when to notify DVLA. You could also talk to your GP. My thoughts are don't jump too quickly to tell DVLA.

[AnnD_ in reply to MK1954]

Thanks I take this on board.

I have an appointment with my GP next week, my haematology consultant has said she has looked at it from the haematology view and if still experiencing them should see my GP. so really saying doesn't want to know.

It's scary when you look on the DVLA site and there is the threat of a fine etc. for not informing and of course there's the car insurance to notify as well. Getting scared to use the car!

[MK1954]

I can understand the "not wanting to get it wrong" but I think you need to somehow understand what is happening to your body. The worrying bit is always not knowing.

[JulesF]

Hi, I have amyloidosis so I am also under haematology and cardiology so have two consultants to advise me. When there have been queries (regarding ICD issues ) from DVLA they have just asked for clarification from my consultant, however this has frustratingly taken weeks/ months during which I couldn't drive when I theoretically could have done. I would really go by advice from your consultant.

[AnnD_ in reply to JulesF]

Thanks for the reply.

I just wish my consultant had put in writing to my GP something regarding the results of the echocardiograms etc. I think the trouble is you don,t always get to see the same one, consultant that is.

[katio]

Hello Ann, I know you posted this years ago, I am having heart palpitations, did DVLA revoke your license? I am a little worried what to do.

[AnnD_ in reply to katio]

Hello katio, I went to my GP and I got an appointment for cardiology to get the palpitations investigated. To be honest I didn't know if what I was experiencing was palpitations or not.The consultants I saw said no need to tell the DVLA until a diagnosis had been made and I did have any not red flag symptoms, blackout dizziness or breathlessness etc. So fit to drive.It turned out after having several monitoring tapes of various length I was having ectopics heartbeats and nothing to worry about.

However as it's quite explicit on the DVLA website regarding palpitations and as I am a worrier, I felt I wanted peace of mind with regard to insurance liability. Of course I now had records of health investigations as well.

I filled in the form, some of the questions were confusing but I sort the help of the BHF and cardiology.

I eventually got a reply from DVLA and they cleared me to drive after writing to cardiology. So no they did not revoke my licence.

My advice to you would be, if you are worried at all about your palpitations go to your GP and get the palpitations investigated first and go with the advice from your GP/ consultants, they will soon tell you if you shouldn't be driving and when to notify the DVLA if there is a need. There are all sorts of reasons for palpitations and worrying certainly doesn't help. Ring the BHF helpline they have conecctions/meetings with the DVLA.

All the best to you.

[AnnD_ in reply to katio]

Sorry forgot to add the BHF number. Call 0300 330 3311. Our Helpline is open weekdays 9am - 5pm.They really were very helpful.

[katio in reply to AnnD_]

Thank you so much for the information. I have heart palpitations and the echocardiogram was good and showed no damage. I have very occasional palpitations where my heart races and then drops back down. I am crossing my fingers that I can keep my licence.

[AnnD_ in reply to katio]

That's good about the echocardiogram. Just wait until you have had all the investigations and check first with your consultant if there's a need to tell the DVLA. It they say no need just get them to put it in writing.There's a lot of people with all sorts of heart problems still able to drive so try not to worry too much.